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TINP Guest Writer

Let it Be, Let it Be, Let it Be: It’s Our Little City, If We Can Keep It

To start, don’t change the City Charter. The Mayor-Council form of government has proven to be an effective way of balancing the needs of the community with strong leadership, when needed, from the Mayor’s chair. Unfortunately, we have already seen unfiltered partisanship and a shift from May to November elections, making City elections less about the issues and more about a party. And that’s really sad. We shouldn’t be voting based on the color of a sample ballot. Modifying the Charter, as some have suggested, will only make the situation worse.

The Mayor’s Chair Is Not Broken — It Requires Leadership

Op-Ed by former City of Fairfax Mayor Rob Lederer and Mayor Steve Stombres (June 14, 2026) As former mayors of the City of Fairfax, we have followed with concern recent public discussion suggesting that the office of mayor cannot be effective under the city’s current charter. We respectfully disagree.

Trees Over Tarmac: Why Fairfax City Council Made the Right Call

The City Council recently made a tough, controversial decision to stop funding the George Snyder Trail. While some people see this as a step backward for recreation, I see it as a win for common sense, fiscal responsibility, and the environment.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT for APRIL 2026 SPECIAL ELECTION IN CONTEXT 

Last July, President Donald Trump ordered Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) to redistrict his state in the middle of the decade in order to carve out an additional five Republican-leaning congressional districts, which would bolster the party's odds of keeping control of the U. S. House of Representatives following the 2026 midterm elections. President Trump's demands for such gerrymandering correlate with his record low approval ratine and rising unpopularity of his signature legislation, the One Big Beautiful Bil. 

Virginia – The Mother of Aviation

Susan Catherine (Koerner) Wright was born on April 30, 1831 in Hillsboro, Virginia and died on July 4, 1889 in Dayton, Ohio. Although she was not alive to  watch her children change the world forever with their flight on the 17th of December 1903, she was fundamental in their achievements.

Affordable housing is a frequent rallying cry among our leaders

In Fairfax City, affordable housing is a frequent rallying cry among our leaders. Mayor Catherine Read has repeatedly emphasized its importance to the City’s vitality and long-term growth. She’s championed diversified housing types, supportive projects like Beacon Landing, and even sought legislative changes to help religious institutions build affordable units. Those are worthy goals — but they ring hollow if other City actions make living here increasingly unaffordable.

The Neighborhood Renaissance Program – a Win-Win for Fairfax City

Fairfax City is a special place to live and prides itself on a long history of neighbors helping neighbors. A great example of this is the Neighborhood Renaissance Program administered by the Fairfax Renaissance Housing Corporation (FRHC). This creative program adds incredible value to residents, neighborhoods and Fairfax City. It is essential that this unique home improvement and neighborhood revitalization program be funded by the City Council.

Comment on Willard-Sherwood project

I was so excited to learn the details of the new Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center at the Feb. 10 City Council meeting. When I was on the Green Acres Feasibility Study Committee in 2015, I never thought it would be possible to have a comprehensive community center at the Willard site on Blenheim Boulevard, which is near Old Town Fairfax, the public library, Van Dyck Park, the police station, three schools, and, most importantly, public transportation.

Better Arguments Workshop Series

At a time when conversations too often turn into standoffs, many of us want to do better - but aren’t sure how. In response, I am hosting a free five-part Better Arguments workshop series.

The Path Forward is Clearer for the City (Op-Ed by Judy Fraser)

As the dust settles after the January 13 City Council vote that brought the long running  George Snyder Trail controversy to a swift conclusion, it is hitting me what a long journey this has been. For those who are interested I thought I’d share a brief summary of its history.

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Let it Be, Let it Be, Let it Be: It’s Our Little City, If We Can Keep It

To start, don’t change the City Charter. The Mayor-Council form of government has proven to be an effective way of balancing the needs of the community with strong leadership, when needed, from the Mayor’s chair. Unfortunately, we have already seen unfiltered partisanship and a shift from May to November elections, making City elections less about the issues and more about a party. And that’s really sad. We shouldn’t be voting based on the color of a sample ballot. Modifying the Charter, as some have suggested, will only make the situation worse.

Plastic Free July

Plastic Free July sounds simple until you realize that it falls right in the middle of pool party, BBQ, and cookout season, where all plates and cups seem to come in plastic. What was once known as the most common month for plastic use, is now turning into a global reminder to rethink everyday habits, even when summer makes that harder than it sounds.

Summer Travel 2026: Americans Embrace Shorter Getaways, Bigger Adventures

Summer travel is heating up in 2026, but travelers are approaching vacations differently than in years past. While Americans remain eager to explore, rising costs, crowded airports, and limited flexibility across the travel industry are reshaping how—and where—they spend their vacation dollars.

Three Candidates Certified for Virginia Republican U.S. Senate Primary

RICHMOND, VA - The Republican Party of Virginia has certified three candidates to compete in the party's Aug. 4 primary for the U.S. Senate nomination, setting the stage for a contest that will determine who will challenge incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Warner in the general election on Nov. 3. 

The Mayor’s Chair Is Not Broken — It Requires Leadership

Op-Ed by former City of Fairfax Mayor Rob Lederer and Mayor Steve Stombres (June 14, 2026) As former mayors of the City of Fairfax, we have followed with concern recent public discussion suggesting that the office of mayor cannot be effective under the city’s current charter. We respectfully disagree.

One Journey to Make Pride Celebrations Across Northern Virginia Within Reach

Pride Month is a celebration of courage, community, and the freedom to live authentically. It’s a time to recognize the progress that has been made toward equality, while also honoring the resilience of LGBTQ+ people whose voices, stories, and advocacy continue to make our communities stronger.

Bringing the World Home: Au Pair Program Charms Families in Northern Virginia

The au pair program, specifically through organizations like Cultural Care Au Pair, is a cultural exchange program designed to promote mutual understanding between Americans and international participants that is facilitated by the US Department of State. Unlike traditional childcare, an au pair is a vetted young adult from another country who lives with a host family, providing personalized care while engaging in a deep cultural exchange, according to Cultural Care.

City FY2027 Budget: Taxes, BPOL, Meals Tax, and the Cost of Funding Growth 

City of Fairfax, VA - The Fiscal Year 2027 (FY2027) budget for City of Fairfax outlines a broad financial plan that increases funding for schools, infrastructure, and public services while relying on a diversified set of revenue sources. Rather than a single large tax hike, the city spreads revenue adjustments across property taxes, business taxes, meals tax, hotel tax, and utility fees, creating a gradual but noticeable increase in overall costs for residents and businesses.

Fairfax County Adopts $5.7 Billion FY2027 Budget, Slightly Lowers Tax Rate

Fairfax County, VA - Fairfax County officials adopted a roughly $5.7 billion FY 2027 General Fund budget, maintaining spending across schools, public safety, transportation, health services, and infrastructure while navigating rising costs in staffing, healthcare, and long-term capital needs. The Board of Supervisors approved the plan in May, along with a quarter-cent reduction in the real estate tax rate to about $1.12 per $100 of assessed value.

Fairfax High School Sophomore steps on the World Stage this Summer

Drum Corps International (DCI), often described as the “Major League of Marching Band,” will welcome Fairfax High School sophomore Mickey Johnson to its World Class ranks this summer. Mickey has been selected to perform as a baritone player with Music City, a DCI World Class corps based in Nashville, Tennessee, for the 2026 season.

A Labor of Love and Legacy: Val Morgan Honors City of Fairfax Veterans

On Memorial Day it isn't only flowers blooming in the City of Fairfax. On that day each year, the city's historic cemetery sprouts hundreds of American flags, each marking the grave of a veteran.  Some might think that the city pays someone to place flags, or that...

Fairfax City Budget Hearing Highlights Proposed Tax Increases and Spending Priorities

City officials have introduced a proposed FY2027 budget of approximately $207.5 million, representing about a 4.5% increase over the current year. The proposal is driven largely by rising costs in education, debt service, and employee compensation.